Length Compatible In-Game Bat Protection Case

ABSTRACT

A length compatible in-game protection case and method for affixed positional storage of a bat stores a baseball bat in an affixed axial position inside an elongated housing, such that a handle end of the bat is accessible from an open end of the housing without requiring the housing to be fully opened. The housing has an outer surface, inner surface, an open end, and a closed end. The housing has a pliable panel to protect the bat from damage. A cap detachably attaches to the open end. Spaced-apart ridges extend along the length of the panel to indicate discrete lengths that correlate to the bat. A spacer fits into one of the ridges and engages a top end of the bat to fixedly position the bat at an appropriate length in relation to the housing such that the handle end is accessible from open end of the housing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a length compatible in-game protection case and method for affixed positional storage of a bat. More so, an axial bat placement storage case to securely stores a bat in an affixed axial position inside an elongated housing, such that a handle end of the bat is accessible from an open end of the housing without requiring the housing to be fully opened, and the bat is provided with in-game protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Typically, a baseball or softball bat is a smooth wooden or metal club used in the sport of baseball or softball to hit the ball after it is thrown by the pitcher. By regulation it may be between a market length of 24″ to 34″ long. While bat can be longer than 35″, this is rare and likely custom made. It is known in the art that bats used for baseball, softball, and the like are generally constructed from metal or wood. Accordingly, prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, and general inclement weather may result in damage to a bat. The life-span of a bat can also be reduced by careless handling on the part of those individuals using the bat. It is recognized that gouges, scratches, splinters, and scrapes, chips, dents, cracks, and punctures for example, may result when bats are improperly stored together, or allowed to bang into various other objects.

It is known that when a baseball player is waiting on deck, it may be necessary to access the bat quickly, such as if a previous batter strikes out. Opening a case that contains a bat may not be fast enough for the player to reach deck and begin the process of hitting.

Other proposals have involved protective cases for bats. The problem with these cases is that they do not provide fast access to the bat, such as by enabling the handle to be grabbed from a closed case. Also, the interior of the case may not be padded. Even though the above cited bat cases meets some of the needs of the market, a length compatible in-game protection case and method for affixed positional storage of a bat. The length compatible in-game protection case serves to securely store a baseball bat in an affixed axial position inside an elongated housing, such that a handle end of the bat is accessible from an open end of the housing without requiring the housing to be fully opened, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a length compatible in-game protection case and method for affixed positional storage of a bat. The axial bat placement storage case serves to securely store a baseball bat in an affixed axial position inside an elongated housing, such that a handle end of the bat is accessible from an open end of the housing without requiring the housing to be fully opened.

The length compatible in-game protection case provides an elongated housing that is configured into a cylindrical shape having a bifurcated clam shell design. In one embodiment, the housing is defined by a hinge that is disposed lengthwise, and a pair of cooperating longitudinal edges that detachably couple together through a male fastener and a female fastener, so as to enable hinged opening and secure closing of the housing in a lengthwise direction. The housing is further defined by an outer surface, an inner surface, an open end, and a closed end. A cap detachably attaches to the open end of the housing to regulate access to the bat when the housing is closed.

In some embodiments, a pliable panel overlays a substantial area of the inner surface of the housing. The pliable panel is configured to encapsulate, and thereby provide a snug fit over the bat when the housing is closed. The snug disposition of the panel around the bat also inhibits rolling or axial movements by the bat.

In some embodiments, a series of spaced-apart ridges extend along the length of the panel. The ridges indicate discrete lengths that correlate to the possible lengths of a bat. Specifically, the series of spaced-apart ridges are configured to define multiple lengths for the bat in relation to the housing.

Each ridge may be defined by an indicia indicating a bat length, such as 25″, 26″, etc. The case further comprises a spacer that fits into one of the ridges and abuts against the top end of the bat to inhibit axial movement by the baseball bat. Thus, the position of the bat is set in the housing so that the handle end is exposed from the open end when the cap is removed.

In operation, the top end of the bat aligns with one of the ridges so that a handle end of the baseball bat is at least partially exposed through the open end of the housing when the cap is detached. The spacer fits into the ridge with the aligned top end of the bat in a perpendicular disposition, so as to inhibit axial movement by the bat and maintain the bat at the appropriate ridge. The top end of the bat aligns with one of the ridges that allows the handle end of the bat to extend through the open end of the housing; or aligns with one of the ridges that indicate the length of the bat. In this manner, the handle end of the bat remains at the appropriate position in the housing to expose the handle end through the open end of the housing.

In another aspect, the housing is at least 35″ long.

In another aspect, the housing is rigid.

In another aspect, the male fastener is a snap closure.

In another aspect, the female fastener is a slot that detachably couples to the snap closure.

In another aspect, the series of spaced-apart ridges are exactly 1″ apart from each other.

In another aspect, the pliable panel is foam or felt cloth.

In another aspect, the spacer is disc-shaped and comprises a foam lining or felt lining.

One objective of the present invention is to provide an elongated, rigid housing that protects a bat from external damage, such as scrapes, scratches, splintering, dents, chips, cracks, and punctures; harmful environmental conditions; and damage resulting from inadvertent contact with various other objects.

Another objective is to increase the life span of a bat due to construction from a material having a greater resistance to harmful environmental elements.

Another objective is to provide a housing that is lightweight, flexible, and easy to use, allowing for attachment to and removal from a bat in a quick and convenient manner.

Another objective is to provide a spacer that retains the bat at a discrete position in the housing to enable easy access to the handle end of the bat.

Another objective is to provide a pliable, cushioned panel that forms a snug fit around the bat.

Another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture bat storage case.

Another objective is to provide a shoulder strap and carabiner for hanging the case from a mounting surface, such as a chain link fence.

Other systems, cases, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary baseball bat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary length compatible in-game protection case showing a bat extending from a closed end to an open end of a housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the length compatible in-game protection case shown in FIG. 1, showing a shorter bat extending from a ridge to the open end of the housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the back side of an exemplary housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a closed end of the housing containing a bat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of an open end of the housing containing a bat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a close up view of an interior surface of a housing, showing a pliable panel marked with a series of spaced-apart ridges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a panel that is defined by a series of spaced-apart ridges having indicia representing the lengths of a bat, showing a pliable panel marked with a series of spaced-apart ridges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9a and 9B illustrate an exemplary spacer, where FIG. 8A is a top view, and FIG. 8B is a right side view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a bat case hung on a mounting surface, such as a chain link fence, from a shoulder strap, where FIG. 9A is the case with the cap attached, and FIG. 9B is the case with the cap removed, exposing the handle end of the bat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 references a flowchart of an exemplary method for affixed positional storage of a bat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific case 200s and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A length compatible in-game protection case 200 and method 300 for affixed positional storage of a bat is referenced in FIGS. 2-11. In one embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the length compatible in-game protection case 200, hereafter “case 200” provides an elongated housing 102 that encases a bat 100 to protect the bat 100 from external damage. The case 200 is unique in that two means to access the bat 100 are provided. The housing 102 opens in a clamshell designed configuration to provide access to the full length of the bat 100. Further, the housing 102 is configured to enable facilitated visibility and accessibility of a handle end 103 of the bat 100 that is cased in the housing 102 by removing a cap 118 from an open end of the housing. In any case, the housing also provides the capacity to protect the bat 100 from damage through use of a pliable panel in the inner surface 112 of the housing 102.

FIG. 1 references a bat 100, which the case 200 is configured to enclose. The bat 100 may include, without limitation, a baseball bat, a softball bat, a cricket paddle, and a sports stick used to strike a ball or sports-related object. The bat 100 is defined by a top end 101 and a handle end 103. The bat 100 may taper from a wider top end where the ball is struck, to a narrower handle end 103 where a user grips the bat 100 from. In some embodiments, the bat 100 is between 24″ to 35″ long. Suitable materials for the bat 100 may include, without limitation, wood, metal, and composite materials used for baseball and softball bats.

As shown in FIG. 4, the case 200 comprises an elongated housing 102. The housing 102 may have a tubular or cylindrical shape. Though any shape that substantially encases a bat 100 may be used. The housing 102 may also open and close in a lengthwise direction along a hinge side 136 through use of a clamshell design. The housing 102 is defined by a hinge 104 at the hinge side 136 that is disposed lengthwise. In some embodiments, the hinge 104 may allow the housing 102 to open up to 70.55°. Though in other embodiments, other angles are possible.

In some embodiments, the housing 102 may include a pair of cooperating longitudinal edges 106 a, 106 b opposite the hinge side 136. The edges 106 a, 106 b hingedly and detachably couple together through a male fastener 108 a and a female fastener 108 b. This allows for hinged opening and secure closing of the housing 102 in a lengthwise direction. And thereby full access to the length of the bat 100.

Turning now to the side view of FIG. 5, the male fastener 108 a may include a snap closure, and the female fastener 108 b may include a slot that detachably couples to the snap closure. In one embodiment, the snap closure forms a snap-fit relationship with the slots so that the snap closure can be pressed into the slots to close the housing 102. The snap closure can be deformed to disengage from the slot to open the housing 102. Though in other embodiments, any fastening mechanism known in the art, including a peg, a button, a magnet, a screw, and an adhesive, may be used to secure the longitudinal edges 106 a, 106 b of the housing 102 together.

The housing 102 is further defined by an outer surface 110, an inner surface 112, a closed end 116, and an opposite open end 114. The housing 102 is dimensioned and configured to completely enclose a bat 100, except when the cap is removed. The housing 102 is at least 34″ long to fully encase a baseball bat 100. Though in other embodiments, the housing 102 may be between 25″ to 35″ long. In one embodiment, the housing 102 of the case 200 is compatible with any baseball or softball bat 24″ to 35″ in length. The fact that this case can hold every bat, not just baseball is extremely important.

As FIG. 6 illustrates, the case 200 may include a cap 118 that detachably attaches to the open end 114 of the housing 102. The cap 118 may include a generally disc-shaped cap 118 ping member. In one possible embodiment, the cap 118 is hingedly connected to the open end 114 of the housing 102 through a connecting mechanism. The housing 102 is configured to enable facilitated visibility and accessibility of a handle end 103 of the bat 100 that is cased in the housing 102 by removing a cap 118 from an open end of the housing.

For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bat 100 extending from the closed end 116 to the open end 114 of the housing 102. The bat abuts against the end of the housing to utilize the entire length of the housing 102. FIG. 3 illustrates the bat positioned away from the end of the housing, such that the handle end 103 is accessible when the cap 118 is opened. In this configuration, the top end 101 of the bat 100 slides to a different ridge 122 b so that the handle end 103 is exposed through the open end 114 of the housing 102. In both cases, the handle end 103 of the bat 100 is visible and accessible, so as to enable the bat 100 to be extracted from the housing 102.

As FIG. 7 shows, the case 200 may include a pliable panel 120 that is configured to overlay a substantial area of the inner surface 112 of the housing 102. The panel 120 may include a felt lining that cushions the bat 100 and helps inhibit movement of the bat 100 while encased in the housing 102. Though in other embodiments, any cushioning material known in the art may be used for the panel 120.

Looking now at FIG. 8, the case 200 may include a series of spaced-apart ridges 122 a-e extending along the length of the panel 120. Each ridge 122 a-e defined by an indicia 124 a-e indicating a discrete length of the bat 100. The ridges 122 a-e are configured and sized to define discrete lengths that correlate to bats of various lengths. In one embodiment, the series of spaced-apart ridges 122 a-e are exactly 1″ apart from each other.

In one embodiment, the indicia 124 a-e for each correlating ridge 122 a-e may include: a 24″ marking, a 25″ marking, a 26″ marking, a 27″ marking, a 28″ marking, a 29″ marking, a 30″ marking 124 e, a 31″ marking 124 d, a 32″ marking 124 c, a 33″ marking 124 b, and a 34″ marking 124 a. The top end 101 of the bat 100 aligns with one of the ridges 122 a-e that allows the handle end of the bat 100 to extend through the open end 114 of the housing; or aligns with one of the ridges 122 a-e that indicate the length of the bat 100. In this manner, the handle end 103 of the bat 100 is visible and accessible from the open end 114 of the housing 102 when the cap 118 is removed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the case 200 utilizes a spacer 126 to align the bat 100 and prevent axial movement by the bat 100 while in the housing 102. The spacer 126 is configured to fit into one of the series of spaced-apart ridges 122 a-e. The spacer 126 may include a disc-shaped, rigid felt material. The spacer 126 is configured to fit snugly into one of the ridges 122 a-e so as to engage a top end 101 of the bat 100. This allows the spacer 126 to inhibit axial movement by the bat 100. The spacer 126 also marks the length of the bat 100 in relation to the length of the housing 102 to position the bat 100 in the appropriate place in the housing 102.

The capacity of the case 200 to enable alignment of the bat 100 so that the handle end 103 is exposed, may be accomplished by positioning a top end 101 of the bat 100 in alignment with one of a plurality of spaced-apart ridges 122 a-e along the length of the housing 102. The ridges 122 a-e are defined by an indicia 124 a-e that correlates to a length of the bat 100. In this manner the bat 100 is positioned along the length of the housing 102 so that the handle end 103 is exposed for facilitated access. This can be especially useful during a game, where a player may view and grab the handle end 103 through a closed housing to pull the bat 100 from the housing 102.

In operation, the top end 101 of the bat 100 aligns with one of the ridges 122 a-e so that a handle end 103 of the bat 100 is at least partially exposed through the open end 114 of the housing 102 when the cap 118 is detached. The spacer 126 fits into one of the ridges 122 a-e, so as to abut and align with top end 101 of the bat 100 in a perpendicular disposition. As explained above, this helps to inhibit axial movement by the bat 100 and maintain the bat 100 at the appropriate position in the housing 102. In this manner, the top end 101 of the bat 100 remains at the appropriate position in the housing 102 to expose the handle end 103 through the open end 114 of the housing 102.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a unique embodiment of the present invention that is effective for hanging the case 200 at a baseball or softball game. A pair of carabiners 130 a, 130 b attach at the ends 114, 116 of the housing. The carabiners 130 a, 130 b detachably attach to free ends of a shoulder strap 132. The carabiners allow for the housing 102 to be hung on a mounting surface 134, such as a chain link fence in the dugout. This allows the housing 102 to hang vertically. Further, the housing 102 can be carried more easily with the shoulder strap 132.

FIG. 11 references a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 for affixed positional storage of a bat. The method 300 is configured to enable elongated housing 102 to encase a bat 100 to protect the bat 100 from external damage. The method 300 enables the case to access the bat 100 through two different means. Firstly, the method 300 enables the housing 102 to open in a clamshell designed configuration to provide access to the full length of the bat 100.

Secondly, the method 300 enables the housing 102 to have facilitated visibility and accessibility of the handle end 103 of the bat 100 that is cased in the housing 102. This is accomplished by removing a cap 118 from an open end of the housing. The method 300 also provides spacer 126 that positions at the top end of the bat along spaced-apart ridges 122 a-e to enable axial positioning of the bat 100, such that the handle end 103 is accessible when the cap is removed from the open end 114 of the housing 102.

The method 300 may include an initial Step 302 of providing a case defined by an elongated housing having a clamshell design, a hinge side, and a pair of cooperating longitudinal edges that detachably couple together through a male fastener and a female fastener, the housing further defined by an outer surface, an inner surface, a closed end, and an opposite open end. The method 300 may further comprise a Step 304 of hingedly opening the housing along the hinge side. A Step 306 includes positioning a bat inside the housing oriented such that a top end of the bat faces the closed end of the housing, and a handle end of the bat faces the open end of the housing. A Step 308 comprises axially displacing the bat along a series of spaced-apart ridges extending along the length of the inner surface of the housing.

Continuing with FIG. 11, a Step 310 includes fitting a spacer at one of the spacers in alignment with the top end of the bat, such that the handle end of the bat is accessible from the open end of the housing without requiring the housing to be fully opened. In some embodiments, a Step 312 may include closing the housing along the hinge side, whereby the male fastener and the female fastener of the longitudinal edges engage. A Step 314 comprises affixing a cap on the open end of the housing, whereby the bat is stored and carried. In some embodiments, a Step 316 may include removing the cap from the open end of the housing. A final Step 318 includes pulling the handle end of the bat, so as to remove the bat from the housing, whereby the spacer positons the handle end of the bat to be accessible through the open end of the housing without opening the housing along the hinge side.

Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A length compatible in-game protection case, the case comprising: an elongated housing defined by a tubular configuration, a hinge side, and a pair of cooperating longitudinal edges that detachably couple together through a male fastener and a female fastener, the housing further defined by an outer surface, an inner surface, a closed end, and an opposite open end; a hinge disposed lengthwise along the hinge side, whereby the housing hingedly opens and closes in a lengthwise direction; a cap configured to detachably attach to the open end of the housing; a pliable panel configured to overlay the inner surface of the housing; a series of spaced-apart ridges extending along the length of the panel, each ridge defined by an indicia indicating a discrete length; and a spacer detachably fitted into one of the series of spaced-apart ridges.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing is defined by a clamshell design.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing is at least 35 inches long.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing is rigid.
 5. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing is dimensioned to encase a bat.
 6. The case of claim 1, wherein the male fastener is a snap closure.
 7. The case of claim 6, wherein the female fastener is a slot that detachably couples to the snap closure.
 8. The case of claim 1, wherein the pliable panel is a felt cloth or foam.
 9. The case of claim 1, wherein the spacer is disc-shaped.
 10. The case of claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises a felt lining.
 11. The case of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced-apart ridges are spaced apart about one inch.
 12. The case of claim 1, further comprising a shoulder strap.
 13. The case of claim 12, further comprising a pair of carabiners, the carabiners attachable to the outer surface of the housing and the shoulder strap.
 14. A length compatible in-game protection case, the case consisting of: an elongated housing defined by a tubular configuration a clamshell design, a hinge side, and a pair of cooperating longitudinal edges that detachably couple together through a snap closure and a slot, the housing further defined by an outer surface, an inner surface, a closed end, and an opposite open end, whereby the housing is dimensioned to encase a bat; a hinge disposed lengthwise along the hinge side, whereby the housing hingedly opens and closes in a lengthwise direction; a cap configured to detachably attach to the open end of the housing; a pliable panel configured to overlay the inner surface of the housing; a series of spaced-apart ridges extending along the length of the panel, each ridge defined by an indicia indicating a discrete length of the bat; a spacer detachably fitted into one of the series of spaced-apart ridges; a shoulder strap; and a pair of carabiners, the carabiners attachable to the outer surface of the housing and the shoulder strap.
 15. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing is at least 35 inches long.
 16. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing is rigid.
 17. The case of claim 1, wherein the pliable panel is a felt cloth or foam.
 18. The case of claim 1, wherein the spacer is disc-shaped and comprises a felt lining.
 19. The case of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced-apart ridges are spaced apart about one inch.
 20. A method for affixed positional storage of a bat, the method comprising: providing a case defined by an elongated housing having a clamshell design, a hinge side, and a pair of cooperating longitudinal edges that detachably couple together through a male fastener and a female fastener, the housing further defined by an outer surface, an inner surface, a closed end, and an opposite open end; hingedly opening the housing along the hinge side; positioning a bat inside the housing oriented such that a top end of the bat faces the closed end of the housing, and a handle end of the bat faces the open end of the housing; axially displacing the bat along a series of spaced-apart ridges extending along the length of the inner surface of the housing; fitting a spacer at one of the spacers in alignment with the top end of the bat, such that the handle end of the bat is accessible from the open end of the housing without requiring the housing to be fully opened; closing the housing along the hinge side, whereby the male fastener and the female fastener of the longitudinal edges engage; affixing a cap on the open end of the housing, whereby the bat is stored and carried; removing the cap from the open end of the housing; and pulling the handle end of the bat, so as to remove the bat from the housing, whereby the spacer positons the handle end of the bat to be accessible through the open end of the housing without opening the housing along the hinge side. 